Last updated: July 2026
The Kintyre 66 is Argyll’s answer to the North Coast 500 — a roughly 100-mile touring route around the long, beautiful Kintyre peninsula in Scotland’s south-west. Quieter, gentler and far less crowded than its Highland cousin, it packs in whisky, wild Atlantic beaches, pretty harbour villages, ancient sites and one very famous headland, all within easy reach of Glasgow. This guide explains the route, its highlights and how to plan the perfect Kintyre road trip.
What is the Kintyre 66?
The Kintyre 66 is a signed, self-drive touring route that loops around the Kintyre peninsula, taking in both the rugged east coast and the surf-washed west, with Campbeltown at its southern tip. Launched to spread visitors beyond the honeypots of the Highlands, it delivers classic west-coast Scotland — sea lochs, single-track roads, distilleries and empty beaches — without the summer crush. It is best driven over two or three unhurried days.
Where to start: Tarbert
Most people begin at Tarbert, the pretty fishing village that guards the narrow neck of Kintyre where it joins Knapdale. With its horseshoe harbour, ruined castle above the town, seafood restaurants and lively festivals, Tarbert is a lovely place to start (or end) the loop and a natural overnight base.
The east coast: Skipness, Carradale and Saddell
Heading south down the quieter east side, you pass Skipness, with its peaceful seaside castle ruin and a renowned seafood shack, and the village of Carradale, with its harbour, forest walks and sandy bay. Don’t miss Saddell Bay, where an Antony Gormley cast-iron figure gazes out to sea near the ruins of Saddell Abbey — one of the most atmospheric spots on the whole route.
Campbeltown: the whisky capital
At the southern end sits Campbeltown, once known as “the whisky capital of the world” with more than thirty distilleries. Today three remain — Springbank, Glen Scotia and Glengyle — making it a compact and rewarding stop for whisky lovers; see our guide to Campbeltown whisky. The town also offers a picture house, a museum, and boat trips to Davaar Island, where a cave holds a Victorian painting of the Crucifixion revealed at low tide.
Machrihanish and the Mull of Kintyre
On the wild west side near Campbeltown, Machrihanish boasts a world-class links golf course and a vast Atlantic surf beach backed by dunes. Further south lies the dramatic Mull of Kintyre, the headland immortalised by Paul McCartney (who has a farm on the peninsula), with a lighthouse, a steep walk and views across the sea to Northern Ireland, just 12 miles away. Near the southern tip, Southend and Keil are home to “St Columba’s Footprints”, carved into the rock.
The west coast back to Tarbert
Driving north up the west coast, you follow long, empty Atlantic beaches such as Westport (popular with surfers) and reach Tayinloan, where the ferry crosses to the lovely Isle of Gigha — an easy and highly recommended add-on. From here the A83 runs back up to Tarbert along the shores of the sea, completing the loop.
Beaches and islands
Kintyre has some of Argyll’s finest and least-crowded beaches, from Westport and Machrihanish on the Atlantic side to quiet coves on the east. Add the short hop to Gigha and you can combine the road trip with genuine island time. See our guide to the best beaches in Argyll and the Hebrides.
How long do you need?
You could drive the loop in a long day, but that would miss the point. Two to three days lets you enjoy the whisky, the beaches, Gigha and the villages at Kintyre’s relaxed pace. Three days is ideal if you want to add the Mull of Kintyre walk and a night on Gigha.
Where to stay
Tarbert and Campbeltown are the main bases, with hotels, guesthouses and self-catering; smaller options dot the coast at Carradale, Machrihanish and beyond. Book ahead in summer, as accommodation on the peninsula is limited.
Getting there and practical tips
- From Glasgow, Tarbert is roughly three hours’ drive down the shores of Loch Lomond and Loch Fyne on the A82/A83.
- By public transport, Scottish Citylink coaches serve Tarbert and Campbeltown, and there is a small airport at Campbeltown with flights from Glasgow — so a car-free trip is possible.
- Fill up on fuel in Tarbert or Campbeltown; petrol stations are sparse elsewhere.
- Allow for single-track roads on the quieter east coast and use passing places courteously.
A little history of Kintyre
Kintyre has been a crossroads of Gaelic and Norse cultures for over a thousand years. Legend holds that the Norse king Magnus Barelegs was granted any island he could sail around, and had his men drag his longship across the narrow isthmus at Tarbert so he could claim the whole peninsula. Later it became heartland of the powerful Clan Donald, Lords of the Isles, and Campbeltown grew into a wealthy town on the back of herring fishing and its many distilleries. That layered history is written into the peninsula’s castles, chapels and standing stones.
Wildlife and nature
The long, quiet coastline of Kintyre is superb for wildlife. Golden and white-tailed eagles soar over the hills, otters and seals patrol the shores, and the waters of the Atlantic and the Kilbrannan Sound are rich in porpoises, dolphins and basking sharks. Boat trips from Campbeltown and Carradale offer the chance to see them, while the beaches and machair are alive with birds and wildflowers in summer.
Events and local produce
Kintyre has a lively calendar for such a rural corner, including the Tarbert Seafood Festival, the Campbeltown Malts Festival celebrating its whiskies, and the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival. Local produce is a highlight throughout — fresh seafood from Tarbert and Carradale, Kintyre cheese and beef, and of course the whisky of Campbeltown. Slow down, eat well and enjoy the peninsula’s unhurried, friendly pace.
This guide is part of our complete Argyll & the Isles travel guide — browse islands, itineraries, distilleries, beaches and castles across the region.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Kintyre 66?
A roughly 100-mile scenic touring route around the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll, styled as a smaller, gentler alternative to the North Coast 500.
How long does the Kintyre 66 take?
Two to three days is ideal to enjoy the whisky, beaches, villages and the Isle of Gigha without rushing.
What is there to see on Kintyre?
Tarbert, the Saddell Gormley statue, Campbeltown’s distilleries, Machrihanish beach and golf, the Mull of Kintyre, and the ferry to Gigha.
How far is Kintyre from Glasgow?
Tarbert is roughly three hours’ drive from Glasgow, down the side of Loch Lomond and Loch Fyne.
Can you do the Kintyre 66 without a car?
It is easiest by car, but coaches serve Tarbert and Campbeltown and there are flights to Campbeltown, so a car-free version is possible with planning.
Featured image: Mull of Kintyre lighthouse by Alan Reid, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
